MySurreyHills #11
Ian Jones

Meet Ian Jones, a farmer and local producer based at Hill House Farm in Dorking. Ian is a foodie and passionate about the local Surrey Hills countryside.

“I’m not a fifth generation farmer, I was in the hotel industry for 20 years but always had a passion for the countryside, outdoors and food. In 2018 we built a food unit on my family farm and increased our South Downs sheep herd and pedigree old spot pigs. As a local producer a lot of my job involves delivering our food to suppliers, I’ve always found it such a treat driving through the beautiful Surrey Hills, it feels like a tremendous privilege to live and work in this part of the world. During the corona virus lockdown period it has been such a great sanctuary to go for a walk in the Surrey Hills – it makes me feel a bit emotional. Everyone talks about the Peak District, Lake District and the Brecon Beacons and the Surrey Hills is almost seen as the poorer cousin but we are definitely up there with the beauty of the landscape and what we have here – I try not to lose sight of that”.